This is the true story of two siblings-Kevin (11) and Pauline (6)-who were placed in a children's home in East Sussex in 1962. It is a deeply personal account of our experiences in care and the enduring effects on our lives.
The story begins in the summer of 1962, when our mother became gravely ill and eventually passed away. With our father unable to give up work and our older siblings either in the air force or imprisoned, the local authority placed Pauline and me in care.
At the time, I misunderstood what it meant to be 'put into care'. I thought it only happened to children who were abused or out of control. We were neither-making the experience all the more bewildering and, at times, deeply traumatic.
The narrative explores a wide range of emotions and experiences: our despair and confusion from being institutionalised, the bullying I endured at school for being a 'home' kid, and my sexual abuse from a Scout leader.
Our painful memories are set against the backdrop of an earlier, untroubled childhood in rural 1950s England-a contrast that underscores the emotional and psychological distress we experienced.
This memoir sheds light on the long-term psychological effects of childhood separation and institutional care. I'm sure it will resonate with those who have experienced similar and inform social workers, carers, and policymakers about the profound impact these placements can have on individuals removed from the home and environment they love-whether the separation is temporary or permanent.
My account is entirely factual, without fabrication, invention, or embellishment for effect or to generate interest. Where dialogue is included, it is as I recall it, though it may not be verbatim.
